Calretinin immunohistochemistry: A new cost-effective and easy method for diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.

Abstract

AIM:

To evaluate the efficacy of calretinin immunostaining in diagnosing Hirschsprung's disease (HD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Sixty cases were studied over a period of 1 year (July 2010-June 2011). There were 36 full-thickness biopsies and 24 resected specimens. Calretinin processing was done on the paraffin-embedded blocks after routine histopathological examination.

RESULTS:

Of the 36 biopsy specimens, in 19 cases HD was diagnosed by hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining earlier. In 2 patients, ganglion cells were seen and HD was ruled out. In 15 cases, there was a diagnostic dilemma and calretinin was used. Ganglion cells were found in 3 specimens and nerve fibers in 5. In all 24 resected specimens, calretinin correlated with the findings on H and E staining.

CONCLUSIONS:

Calretinin was extremely useful in solving the suspicious and indeterminate cases of HD. It can serve as a valuable cost-effective diagnostic aid in the centers where acetylcholinesterase enzyme histochemistry is not available.

• Authors: Lavanya Kannaiyan, Sujani Madabhushi, Ramani Malleboyina, Narendra Kumar Are, K Ramesh Reddy, Bhuvaneshwar Rao
• Journal: Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons (J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 66-8 (Apr 2013) ISSN: 0971-9261 [Print] India
• PMID: 23798809 (Publication Type: Journal Article)